03/2007 "Blowing off Anty Em'"
Lyric by Jonathan Larson in La Vie Boheme, from Rent: 'Like Dorothy and Toto went over the rainbow, to blow off Anty Em.
As a woman journeying across the country to be an artist and escape her own fears of not fitting the mold, this line spoke to me.
The painting itself is my representation of waiting patiently for my cyclone to come. A willingness to jump into the swirls and dirt, if it means I get to the technicolor beauty of Oz, at the end.

- Poppe love - 06-2006 Oil on Canvas
A friend directed me towards Poppes as my next venture. This varies a bit from the original in coloring as I'm in love with all things orange and that just sort of came out as I worked.
Favorite parts for me: The colors, and the lower left hand leaf set behind.
As I continue my paintings, I come to realize more and more that my passion is in the colors. While subject is always important, it is the colors of things that most attract me to them. Being able to wrangle with a color wheel in my mind and mix shades on a palette are what make painting interesting. The results of that work are, in my opinion, the main draw for the majority of my works.

Dancer: Figure Study- December 2007
Acrylics on Sugar Gessoed Masonite
This was a study done as I experimented with different surfaces.
I love the movement of this dancer and the coloring choices for the lights and darks.

04/2007 I had never considered myself a big fan of pop art, because I tend to think of Warhol and his use of mass-production type processes that, to me, pull away from the connection of art that comes in hand to brush work.
Painting this however, showed me that my love for bold and blocked color fits rather well into the realm of pop art.

Photograph
The most powerful student dancer I have ever seen.
In a piece about bullying, this girl was able to express in one pose so many emotions that come when someone is the victim of a bully- the most powerful in this photo to me is a subtle strength in the grip of her hand and the line of her leg and back.

Photograph
Sometimes for me it is simply the juxtaposition of colors and lines that draw me in. Here the connection between the young mans slight lean and a backdrop being obviously held up perfectly complimented the blue of the backdrop to indicate an overall emotion to the work.

Photograph- minor color change alterations in post-processing
The stones were found as shown. Reminiscent of stone sculptures of Native cultures in the Pacific Northwest, I was struck by how it seemed the other stones were seeking to protect the center, despite it being of the same material.

Photograph
Taken on the 18th anniversary of my Father's passing. I often dedicate this day to creativity and connecting with memories and the spirit of my father. This image was found as I sought locations with my father in mind. I initially stopped to shoot the pond and only happened upon the boat once I got out and walked closer.

Feels Like Home To Me
8x10 Acrylic on Canvas Panel
Taken from a friends photograph.
I find a truth in footwear. The color choices, the dirt, the position of legs and feet often elicit emotional responses equivalent to faces for me.
This one immediately gave me the comfort and relaxation of a day in Atlantic Canada at a beach with friends.